Fortress of Niha

An ancient cliff fortress carved into rock in Niha Chouf, Mount Lebanon, overlooking the Bisri and Aray valley on the route between Sidon and the Beqaa. The cave-fortress extends several hundred metres deep into the cliff, containing chambers for soldiers, storage silos, and a water system fed by the Ain el-Halquoum spring and rainwater collection. First documented in 975 AD, it changed hands between Crusaders and local Muslim rulers throughout the 12th-13th centuries, was destroyed in 1261, then rebuilt by Mamluk leader Baibars in 1270. The Emir Fakhr-al-Din II reportedly sought refuge here before his execution in 1635. Archaeological excavations were conducted in 1936 by Commandant Bigeaud.